Romualdez on Zaldy Co’s accusations: My conscience remains clear

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez said his conscience "remains clear" amid allegations made by former Ako-Bicol Partylist representative Zaldy Co that he, along with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., orchestrated the P100 billion insertions in the 2025 national budget.

"My conscience remains clear. Throughout this inquiry, no public official, contractor, or witness has pointed to any wrongdoing on my part," said Romualdez in a statement. 

"I do not wish to comment on the recent statements and allegations made by former Rep. Zaldy Co because these were not made under oath and do not hold water in the court of law," added Romualdez. 

Earlier, President Marcos also brushed off Co's allegations.

“I don’t want to even dignify what he was saying,” Marcos said in a chance interview with reporters during his visit to typhoon-affected areas in Negros Occidental.

Aside from the supposed insertions, Co also claimed that he personally delivered suitcases containing money to Marcos and Romualdez. 

Romualdez, meanwhile, said that he trusts that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Ombudsman will "evaluate all statements fairly and strictly on the basis of evidence."

“I remain ready to cooperate with any lawful process and I am confident that the truth will emerge through the proper institutions,” Romualdez said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News